Rose Island. Credit: Jim Karpeichik

Rhode Island PBS will present season five  of the Boston/New England Emmy®-nominated series Treasures Inside the Museum.  

From Norman Rockwell paintings to a Paul Revere cannon, season five of Treasures Inside the  Museum provides an expansive look at the unique finds scattered across the Ocean State. The  seven episodes feature collections and stories from the following locations: Rosecliff, Smith’s  

Castle, Rose Island Lighthouse, Providence Library, Casey Farm, Sailing Museum & National  Sailing Hall of Fame, Washington Lodge No. 3, National Museum of American Illustration, Lippitt  House, Portsmouth Historical Society, The Artillery Company of Newport, and Fort Adams. 

Produced in collaboration with Ocean State Video and Weathervane Communications,  Treasures Inside the Museum offers an insider’s look at New England museums. Each episode  showcases the unwavering dedication of local curators, historians, and preservationists as they  work to safeguard historical properties for public enjoyment. The series also sheds light on the  importance of preserving artifacts for future generations. 

“We explore traditional museum spaces in season five and the unexpected locations where  treasures are kept,” said Betty-Jo Cugini, series co-producer and owner of Weathervane  Communications. “We are excited to take viewers behind the scenes as exhibits come to life,  from ideas shared around a table to an opening-night exhibit where unique treasures and  cultures come together.” 

“This program is an ongoing journey of discovery that shines a light on so many of the cultural  riches in our region and the people who work tirelessly to preserve and share them,” added Jim  Karpeichik, series videographer/editor and owner of Ocean State Video.

Airdates and episode descriptions for Newport appearances are as follows:  

Rosecliff ExhibitJune 28 at 8:30 p.m., June 29 at 12:30 p.m., and June 30 at 7 p.m.

Get an exclusive look behind the scenes at The Preservation Society of Newport County to see how exhibits at the Newport Mansions are developed. Follow museum staff as they move pieces from their collections and create an updated narrative for visitors. 

Smith’s Castle & Rose IslandJuly 5 at 8:30 p.m., July 6 at 12:30 p.m., and July 7 at 7 p.m.

Discover history from Smith’s Castle that goes back almost 400 years. A small book from 1737 believed to once been used to educate enslaved people is just one of the treasures uncovered here. Then, take a boat ride to Rose Island for a private tour of the lighthouse that was an important aid to navigation on Narragansett Bay. 

Newport Sailing & Washington LodgeJuly 19 at 8:30 p.m., July 20 at 12:30 p.m., and July 21 at 7 p.m.

The Sailing Museum & National Sailing Hall of Fame is one of Newport’s newest attractions. It’s an interactive museum with pieces that will be of interest to both sailors and non-sailors alike. Then, visit the Washington Lodge No. 3 to see some of the rare items preserved from one of the oldest Masonic Temples in the country. 

Illustration & LippittJuly 26 at 8:30 p.m., July 27 at 12:30 p.m., and July 28 at 7 p.m. 

Newport is home to The National Museum of American Illustration where hundreds of one-of-a-kind original works of art from the likes of JC Leyendecker and Norman Rockwell can be seen. Then, make a visit to the Lippitt House in Providence where generations of one family’s history is preserved. 

Portsmouth Historical & Newport ArtilleryAugust 2 at 8:30 p.m., August 3 at 12:30 p.m., and August 4 at 7 p.m.

The Portsmouth Historical Society has assembled a large collection covering the town’s history, filling 3 buildings, including a one-room schoolhouse and the original Town Hall. Later, The Artillery Company of Newport opens its doors. Collections include some rare flags and a cannon from Paul Revere.  

Fort AdamsAugust 9 at 8:30 p.m., August 10 at 12:30 p.m., and August 11 at 7 p.m.

There is so much more to Fort Adams than a State Park and music festivals. Delve into the military history that lives here, take a peek into the preservation efforts, and discover the underground “listening tunnels.” 

Treasures Inside the Museum Season 5 premieres Friday, June 28, at 8:30 p.m. and encores  Saturdays at 12:30 p.m. and Sundays at 7 p.m. Viewers can also stream the series online at  ripbs.org and YouTube. 

Ryan Belmore is the owner and publisher of What's Up Newp. He took over the publication in 2012 and has grown it into a three-time Rhode Island Monthly Best Local News Blog (2018, 2019, 2020). He was named LION Publishers Member of the Year in 2020 and received the Dominique Award from the Arts & Cultural Society of Newport County the same year. He has been awarded grants for investigative and community journalism, and continues to coach and mentor new local news publications nationwide. Ryan...

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